Local businessman, Mr Godfrey Mondlane, initially sidestepped the police, and with the help of a privately hired security firm, apprehended the Nyope-boy responsible for almost all the break-ins at Midpark Centre.

Mr Mondlane, owner of  Ukhamba Chemicals, situated in the centre, says that he was spurred to action following the increase of break-ins at his shop, which have increased sharply the past six weeks.

During the first break-in his laptop was stolen, while during the second, the thugs focused on overalls and rain gear.

In the third break-in another expensive batch of overalls were stolen while in the fourth, the criminals again went for electronics by taking a desktop computer alongside cleaning chemicals and vehicle treatment kits.

“I’ve lost thousands to these thieves and decided to take action by contracting Fo Fo Security who, succeeded in apprehending the very thief that broke into my shop,” Mr Mondlane told the paper on Thursday.

He expressed his willingness to confess everything to the police and surprisingly agreed to recreate the break-ins on video, which was handed to the police and the Observer. See the footage here:

The security company used its extensive network of informants to pinpoint the thief who, admitted to the break-ins, and also led them to the Nigerian buyer of the stolen stock.

“I personally spoke to the Nigerian buyer who admitted to selling the laptop and promised to replace it,” Mr Mondlane said.

The Nigerian criminal however did not stick to his end of the bargain, and the matter has been handed over to the police who, is investigating the possibility of a well linked crime syndicate operating in the heart of town.

Mr Mondlane says that Fo Fo guards, who has taken over all round security at Midpark Centre, were shocked when the Nigerian buyer led them to a shop, situated in the alley linking Iraq taxi rank with Walter Sisulu Street, where stolen property is being stored.

Mr Mondlane’s desktop computer was discovered in the store room and consequently handed back to him.

“The entire room is filled with what we believe to be stolen property such as TVs and computers,” he told the Observer.

While discussions with the Nigerian buyer was underway, the decision was taken not to involve the police just yet, “as I gave the kingpin two days to replace my laptop before exposing the entire crime operation,” Mr Mondlane explains.

The Nyope-boy who led them to the Nigerian kingpin admitted to stealing the items for money to sustain his drug habit.

The Nyope-boy also admitted to other break-ins suffered in the CBD.

No arrests have been effected ahead of print.